Gas Safety FAQs
Your gas safety questions answered by our Gas Safe engineers.
What should I do if I smell gas?
If you smell gas: immediately stop using any electrical switches; do not use naked flames or smoke; open all windows and doors to ventilate; turn off the gas at the meter (turn the lever 90° so it is perpendicular to the pipe); evacuate the building; call the National Gas Emergency Service on 0800 111 999 (free, 24/7) from outside or on a mobile away from the building. Do not re-enter until the emergency service declares it safe.
Do I need a carbon monoxide detector?
Yes. Since October 2022, Building Regulations require a carbon monoxide detector to be fitted in any room with a gas appliance in new and replacement installations. We strongly recommend CO detectors in every room containing a combustion appliance — including boilers, gas fires, and log burners. Combination smoke/CO alarms are available. CO is odourless and colourless; a detector can save your life.
How do I check if an engineer is Gas Safe registered?
Every Gas Safe registered engineer carries an official Gas Safe ID card. On one side is the engineer's name, registration number, and photo. On the other side is a list of the gas work categories they are qualified to undertake. You can also verify any engineer's registration online at gassaferegister.co.uk or by calling Gas Safe Register on 0800 408 5500. Always check before allowing gas work in your home.
Can I carry out any gas work myself?
No. In the UK, it is illegal for anyone who is not Gas Safe registered to carry out gas work — including connecting or disconnecting gas appliances, moving gas pipes, or installing a gas meter. This applies even to competent DIY enthusiasts. Only Gas Safe registered engineers may legally carry out gas work. Illegal gas work is extremely dangerous and can invalidate your home insurance.
What happens if I suspect someone has done illegal gas work in my home?
If you suspect illegal gas work has been carried out, do not use the appliance until it has been inspected by a Gas Safe registered engineer. You can report suspected illegal gas work to the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) and to Gas Safe Register. Our engineers can carry out a gas safety inspection and provide a written report of any unsafe installations.
What are the signs of a gas leak?
Signs of a gas leak include: a distinctive sulphurous (rotten egg) smell (this odorant is added to natural gas for safety); a hissing or whistling sound near gas pipes or appliances; dead or dying plants in an area where there is underground gas pipework; unexplained bubbles in standing water near gas pipework; physical symptoms such as headache, dizziness, or nausea when indoors. If in doubt, treat it as a gas emergency.
Where is my gas meter and how do I turn off the gas supply?
Your gas meter is usually located in a box on the outside wall of your property, or in a hallway or utility room. The isolation valve (lever or cock) is located on the incoming gas pipe near the meter. To turn off the gas, turn the lever 90° so it is at right angles to the pipe — this closes the valve. In an emergency, do this before evacuating. If you're unsure where your meter is, contact your gas supplier who can help you locate it.
What is a gas soundness test?
A gas soundness test (also called a tightness test) is performed by a Gas Safe engineer to confirm that your gas installation has no leaks. The engineer pressurises the pipework and monitors for any drop in pressure over a set period. A soundness test is carried out after any new gas installation, after work on existing pipework, and as part of a gas safety inspection. All Halo Heating engineers carry out soundness testing as standard.
Still Have Questions?
Our Gas Safe registered engineers cover Surrey and surrounding areas. Call for a free, no-obligation answer or to book an engineer.
Call 01483 676108Need a Heating Engineer in Surrey?
Halo Heating's Gas Safe registered engineers cover Worthing, West Sussex, and surrounding areas. Call for a free quote or to book a visit.